Auckland's St James Theatre vandalised and robbed

Auckland's St James Theatre was vandalised on Monday night.
Auckland's St James Theatre was vandalised on Monday night. Photo credit: Kethaki Masilamani

By RNZ

Aucklanders campaigning for the restoration of St James Theatre are incensed after the heritage site was looted.

The foyer of the historic theatre was vandalised and some items stolen.

Police believe a group of youth forced their way into the building on Monday night.

St James Theatre in Auckland
St James Theatre in Auckland Photo credit: RNZ/ Kim Baker Wilson

The walls of the theatre foyer have been graffitied and items taken, including a 94-year-old bronze statue from the mezzanine floor.

The St James Theatre has remained largely abandoned since it lost funding for restoration in 2015.